Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate
Chapter 563: Following My Heart
Hayley’s POV:
Virginia gazed at me with astonishment as I spoke. My words seemed to have moved her; her eyes even glistened with unshed tears. She remained quiet for a moment before politely refusing my offer. “No, this is a personal family issue. You’ve already done so much for me lately, and I don’t want to burden you any further.”
“I don’t see it as a burden,” I replied sincerely. “I simply acted according to my own wishes.” I always followed my heart when making decisions. If I wanted to stay by Virginia’s side, I did. If I wished to help, I voiced my intentions and took action whenever she needed assistance. Above all, both Hera and I felt an inexplicable sense of connection and familiarity with her. I fixed my eyes on Virginia, trying to convey my sincerity, hoping she would realize she could rely on me.
She met my gaze, uncertainty flickering in her expression. After a brief hesitation, she smiled and steered the conversation away. “Let’s not dwell on this. Your grandparents must be getting impatient. We should hurry before they go hungry!” This was her way of politely turning me down. I understood and chose not to press further. Lowering my head, I picked up the knife and resumed chopping vegetables.
From that moment on, unspoken thoughts lingered between us, and we barely exchanged any more words. Winter nights fell quickly here. By six o’clock, the living room lights were already on. I prepared a well-known fusion dish that everyone had eagerly anticipated.
Virginia sat at the table, her eyes lighting up. “Everything looks delicious! I think I’ll eat a little extra tonight.”
“That’s wonderful! Make yourself at home, and don’t hold back,” Grandpa said warmly, his tone full of hospitality.
“No, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this kind of warmth at home,” Virginia’s voice wavered. Not wanting to lose her composure, she stayed silent and lowered her gaze. Both Grandpa and Grandma grasped her situation and felt a deep sense of sympathy for her.
Worried about dampening the atmosphere, Virginia quickly collected herself and changed the subject. “Look at me, getting all emotional again. Let’s not dwell on this. Let’s eat before we waste Hayley’s cooking!”
“That’s right! A full stomach gives us the strength to face whatever life throws our way,” Grandma added, offering her support.
Not long after, the sharp clicking of heels echoed from the doorway. When I opened the door, I found Odessa standing outside. I felt indifferent toward her, but since she was Benjamin’s mother, it wouldn’t have been appropriate to turn her away. So, I stood up and welcomed her inside. After setting an extra place at the table and introducing her, I extended a polite invitation for her to sit.
Although Grandpa wasn’t particularly fond of her due to my past interactions with her, he remained courteous. He didn’t go out of his way to make things difficult and simply treated her like any other guest, offering a polite greeting. The moment Odessa settled into her seat, she wasted no time turning the conversation toward me.
“I actually like Hayley a lot,” she began, her tone measured. “But she’s still young and doesn’t always take a broader view of things. She tends to act a bit too impulsively.”
“You two should guide her more,” she said, glancing at me and my grandparents with a hint of disapproval. “Otherwise, she might end up causing trouble and offending the wrong people.”
The moment those words left her lips, a wave of irritation surged through me. Meanwhile, my grandparents’ expression darkened instantly.